Sentencing | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/law/sentencing
Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2018Mon, 19 Mar 2018 15:26:30 GMT2018-03-19T15:26:30Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2018The Guardianhttps://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttps://www.theguardian.com
Longer jail terms likely for knife and acid possessionhttps://www.theguardian.com/law/2018/mar/01/longer-jail-terms-likely-for-knife-and-acid-possession
<p>New sentencing guidelines for England and Wales list acid as dangerous weapon for first time</p><p>Adults convicted of possessing a knife or acid for use as an offensive weapon in public are likely to face longer prison terms when new sentencing guidelines for judges in England and Wales are introduced.</p><p>Recommendations by the Sentencing Council published on Thursday state that the starting point for a judge assessing punishment for anyone over 18 caught with a “bladed article” in a public place should be six months in jail. For young people, the starting point is four months.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/feb/22/i-beg-you-stop-plea-mother-lost-two-sons-knife-crime-camden">'I beg you, stop': plea from mother who lost two sons to knife crime</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/feb/27/knife-crime-london-young-people-emergency">Knife crime has left London’s young people reeling. We need action now | Seraphima Kennedy</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2018/mar/01/longer-jail-terms-likely-for-knife-and-acid-possession">Continue reading...</a>SentencingKnife crimeAcid attacksCrimeUK newsLawSocietyJudiciaryYouth justiceUK criminal justiceYoung peopleThu, 01 Mar 2018 00:01:05 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/law/2018/mar/01/longer-jail-terms-likely-for-knife-and-acid-possessionPhotograph: London Metropolitan Police Handout/EPAPhotograph: London Metropolitan Police Handout/EPAOwen Bowcott2018-03-01T00:01:05ZJohn Worboys's victims were told his sentence was equivalent to lifehttps://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jan/24/john-worboys-victims-sentence-equivalent-life
<p>Prosecutor and detective wrote that jail term was ‘to all intents and purposes’ life imprisonment</p><p>Victims of John Worboys were given written assurances by crown prosecutors at the time of his conviction that his sentence was “to all intents and purposes” the same as a term of life imprisonment.<br></p><p>Letters from the CPS lawyer who conducted Worboys’s prosecution and a Metropolitan police detective in the case, passed to <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-42803547">BBC News</a>, told victims in March 2009, before he was sentenced, that the black-cab rapist was unlikely to be charged with further offences “partly because of the lengthy sentence anticipated”.</p><p></p><p>The Parole Board is able to assess the continued risk posed by prisoners based on psychiatrist and prison guard reports at Parole Board hearings that take place around once a year for each offender. Some of the hearings are oral, some of them written.<br></p><p><i>(October 14, 2006)</i>&nbsp;<strong>Victim one drugged by Worboys </strong></p><p></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jan/24/john-worboys-victims-sentence-equivalent-life">Continue reading...</a>John WorboysSentencingUK criminal justicePrisons and probationLawSocietyUK newsWed, 24 Jan 2018 17:07:20 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/jan/24/john-worboys-victims-sentence-equivalent-lifePhotograph: REX/ShutterstockPhotograph: REX/ShutterstockAlan Travis Home affairs editor2018-01-24T17:07:20ZMore terror offences to be covered by rules on unduly lenient sentenceshttps://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/dec/29/more-terror-offences-to-be-covered-by-rules-on-unduly-lenient-sentences
<p>Criminals convicted of tipping off terrorists among those whose punishments will be open to challenge</p><p>Members of the public will have the right to challenge sentences given to criminals who have been convicted of informing terrorists that they are under investigation, the government has announced. </p><p>Nine terror offences have been added to the unduly lenient sentencing (ULS) scheme, which gives anyone the power to ask the attorney general to review a sentence. The nine include convictions for flouting terror prevention court orders and hoaxes involving noxious substances. </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/dec/29/more-terror-offences-to-be-covered-by-rules-on-unduly-lenient-sentences">Continue reading...</a>SentencingUK security and counter-terrorismCounter-terrorism policyLawPoliticsUK newsCourt of appealCrimeUK criminal justiceFri, 29 Dec 2017 00:01:15 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/dec/29/more-terror-offences-to-be-covered-by-rules-on-unduly-lenient-sentencesPhotograph: Martin Keene/PA ARCHIVE IMAGESPhotograph: Martin Keene/PA ARCHIVE IMAGESPatrick Greenfield2017-12-29T00:01:15ZLocking up ‘teenage thugs’ is a sign of failure | Adrian Grayhttps://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/14/locking-up-teenage-thugs-children-cressida-dick-prison-young-criminals
Cressida Dick has called for harsher sentences for young criminals. As an ex-prisoner, I believe jail should be the last resort for the young<p>“Time to lock up teen thugs.” That’s how <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5068265/Time-lock-teenage-thugs-says-police-chief.html" title="">one newspaper</a> summed up the views of the Metropolitan police commissioner, Cressida Dick, after she called for “harsher and more effective” prison sentences for young criminals. Too many were “simply not fearful of how the state will respond to their actions”, Dick said in a speech to the Howard League for Penal Reform. One 16-year-old with 42 convictions had not spent a single day behind bars.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/sep/18/send-young-offenders-boarding-school-at-risk-children">Don’t lock up young offenders – send them to top boarding schools instead | Afua Hirsch</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/aug/31/tough-on-crime-prisons-crisis-prisoner-numbers">‘Tough on crime’ created the prisons crisis. It’s time for justice to be rational | Polly Toynbee</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/14/locking-up-teenage-thugs-children-cressida-dick-prison-young-criminals">Continue reading...</a>Youth justicePrisons and probationSentencingLawUK criminal justiceCrimeSocietyYoung peopleUK newsTue, 14 Nov 2017 11:53:28 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/nov/14/locking-up-teenage-thugs-children-cressida-dick-prison-young-criminalsPhotograph: Andrew Aitchison/Corbis via Getty ImagesPhotograph: Andrew Aitchison/Corbis via Getty ImagesAdrian Gray2017-11-14T11:53:28ZJails in Scotland less violent than in England and Wales, figures showhttps://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/nov/04/jails-in-scotland-less-violent-than-in-england-and-wales-figures-show
<p>Statistics from Holyrood reveal 73% fewer incidents of violence in Scottish prisons than in English and Welsh last year</p><p>Scottish prisons are significantly less violent than jails in England and Wales, with lower rates of inmate aggression, according to statistics released by the Scottish parliament.</p><p>Figures compiled by the Scottish Parliament Information Centre revealed that last year there were 73% fewer outbreaks of violence in Scottish jails than in prisons in England and Wales. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/nov/03/non-custodial-sentencing-falls-sharply-in-england-and-wales">Non-custodial sentencing falls sharply in England and Wales</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/nov/04/jails-in-scotland-less-violent-than-in-england-and-wales-figures-show">Continue reading...</a>Prisons and probationScotlandUK criminal justiceSentencingUK newsSocietyWalesLawSat, 04 Nov 2017 13:15:57 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/nov/04/jails-in-scotland-less-violent-than-in-england-and-wales-figures-showPhotograph: AlamyPhotograph: AlamyRuth McKee2017-11-04T13:15:57ZDrivers who kill will now face life sentencehttps://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/oct/14/drivers-who-kill-may-now-face-life-sentence
Government to toughen sentences after consultation<p>Dangerous drivers who cause death while using their mobile phones or speeding will face life in prison, ministers have confirmed. The decision to go ahead with a major extension of sentences comes after a campaign by families and a cross-party group of MPs.</p><p>Drivers who kill while under the influence of drink or drugs will also face a life sentence. And there will be a new offence of causing serious injury through careless driving, as part of renewed efforts to improve road safety.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/oct/14/drivers-who-kill-may-now-face-life-sentence">Continue reading...</a>SentencingLawUK newsUK criminal justiceSat, 14 Oct 2017 23:05:15 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/oct/14/drivers-who-kill-may-now-face-life-sentencePhotograph: Jonathan Brady/PAPhotograph: Jonathan Brady/PAMichael Savage, and Dulcie Lee2017-10-14T23:05:15ZSentencing Council urges tougher jail terms for terrorist plottershttps://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/oct/12/sentencing-council-urges-tougher-jail-terms-for-terrorist-plotters
<p>Crackdown proposed on criminals who help prepare terrorist attacks, not just those who carry them out </p><p><br></p><p>Terrorist plotters are likely to be imprisoned for longer terms under new sentencing guidelines drafted in response to the surge in attacks this year.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/oct/12/sentencing-council-urges-tougher-jail-terms-for-terrorist-plotters">Continue reading...</a>SentencingLawCourt of appealUK newsSocietyPrisons and probationUK criminal justiceWed, 11 Oct 2017 23:01:24 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/oct/12/sentencing-council-urges-tougher-jail-terms-for-terrorist-plottersPhotograph: Andy Rain/EPAPhotograph: Andy Rain/EPAOwen Bowcott Legal affairs editor2017-10-11T23:01:24ZOxford student given suspended sentence for stabbing boyfriendhttps://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/sep/25/oxford-student-lavinia-woodward-gets-suspended-sentence-for-stabbing-boyfriend
<p>Judge had reportedly earlier told Lavinia Woodward a prison term could damage her prospects of becoming a heart surgeon</p><p>An Oxford University student who stabbed her boyfriend with a bread knife has been given a suspended prison sentence. </p><p>A judge caused controversy earlier this year when he reportedly told Lavinia Woodward that a jail term <a draggable="true" href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/may/16/oxford-university-lavinia-woodward-stabbed-boyfriend-may-avoid-jail">could damage her prospects</a> of a medical career and would be too severe as a result.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/sep/25/oxford-student-lavinia-woodward-gets-suspended-sentence-for-stabbing-boyfriend">Continue reading...</a>SentencingCrimeLawUK newsOxfordMon, 25 Sep 2017 15:53:57 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/sep/25/oxford-student-lavinia-woodward-gets-suspended-sentence-for-stabbing-boyfriendPhotograph: Andrew Matthews/PAPhotograph: Andrew Matthews/PAJamie Grierson2017-09-25T15:53:57ZPrisoner who has served 11 years on 10-month sentence to be releasedhttps://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/sep/14/prisoner-served-11-years-on-10-month-sentence-to-be-released-james-ward
<p>James Ward was ‘left to rot’ after being given public protection sentence for arson in 2006, say his family</p><p>A prisoner who has served 11 years in jail after initially being sentenced to a minimum of less than one is to be released, the Parole Board has said.</p><p>James Ward, who was given a sentence of imprisonment for public protection (IPP) with a minimum of 10 months to be served for arson in 2006, will be released within weeks, according to his family.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/sep/14/prison-reboot-may-free-up-7000-prison-places-says-thinktank">Prison 'reboot' may free up 7,000 prison places, says thinktank</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/sep/13/may-urged-to-guarantee-prison-and-police-staff-numbers-after-pay-rise">May urged to guarantee prison and police staff numbers after pay rise</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/sep/14/prisoner-served-11-years-on-10-month-sentence-to-be-released-james-ward">Continue reading...</a>Prisons and probationUK criminal justiceLawSocietySentencingUK newsThu, 14 Sep 2017 09:14:43 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/sep/14/prisoner-served-11-years-on-10-month-sentence-to-be-released-james-wardPhotograph: BBCPhotograph: BBCKevin Rawlinson2017-09-14T09:14:43ZViscount who was jailed over Gina Miller threats drops his appealhttps://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/aug/25/viscount-jailed-gina-miller-threats-drops-appeal-sentence
<p>Rhodri Philipps, given 12 weeks for ‘extreme racial abuse’, was warned his sentence could be increased</p><p>The man jailed for offering £5,000 to anyone willing to kill Gina Miller, whose <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/nov/03/gina-miller-the-woman-behind-the-article-50-legal-challenge">court victory forced the government to consult parliament over Brexit</a>, has dropped his appeal over his 12-week sentence.</p><p>The 4th <a draggable="true" href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jul/13/viscount-jailed-for-offering-money-for-killing-of-gina-miller">Viscount St Davids, Rhodri Philipps, was sentenced on 13 July for “extreme racial abuse” of Miller</a> and another man in a series of Facebook posts, having been convicted of sending malicious communications.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/aug/25/viscount-jailed-gina-miller-threats-drops-appeal-sentence">Continue reading...</a>Gina MillerPoliticsUK newsSentencingLawCrimeFri, 25 Aug 2017 12:03:57 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/aug/25/viscount-jailed-gina-miller-threats-drops-appeal-sentencePhotograph: Tolga Akmen/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Tolga Akmen/AFP/Getty ImagesKevin Rawlinson2017-08-25T12:03:57ZHow Jeff Sessions and Donald Trump have restarted the war on drugshttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/aug/21/donald-trump-jeff-sessions-war-on-drugs
<p>Under Obama, America’s addiction to mass incarceration seemed to fade. But then came Trump and a hardline attorney general</p><p>Shauna Barry-Scott remembers the moment she felt the American fever for mass incarceration break. It was an August morning in 2013, and she was in a federal prison in the mountains of West Virginia. She remembers crowding into the TV room with the other women in their khaki uniforms. Everyone who could get out of their work shifts was there, waiting. Good news was on the way, advocates had told them. Watch for it.</p><p>Some of her fellow inmates were cynical: it seemed like millions of rumors of reform had swept through the federal prison system to only then dissolve. Barry-Scott did not blame them, but she was more hopeful.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/apr/17/war-drugs-racist-donald-trump-embracing-open-arms">The war on drugs is racist. Donald Trump is embracing it with open arms | Steven W Thrasher</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/aug/20/opioid-crisis-america-buffalo-new-york-trump-national-emergency">'He's trying to save lives': the ex-addict judge on the frontline of the opiate crisis</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/aug/21/donald-trump-jeff-sessions-war-on-drugs">Continue reading...</a>Jeff SessionsDonald TrumpDrugs tradeDrugsUS policingLawSocietyUS newsWorld newsSentencingMon, 21 Aug 2017 06:00:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/aug/21/donald-trump-jeff-sessions-war-on-drugsPhotograph: The New York Post Archives via Getty ImagesPhotograph: The New York Post Archives via Getty ImagesLois Beckett2017-08-21T06:00:04ZMagistracy missing out on public-sector workers | Lettershttps://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/aug/07/magistracy-missing-out-on-public-sector-workers
Former magistrate <strong>Jane Lawson</strong> says people on modest incomes are finding it increasingly hard to offer their services to the courts<p>It is not surprising that the magistracy is becoming less diverse in terms of social class, even though in terms of gender and minority ethnic membership great strides have been made (<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/aug/06/increase-in-female-magistrates-could-mask-decline-in-diversity" title="">Report</a>, 7 August).</p><p>When I joined a busy central London bench in 1985, there were many magistrates with titles – they seem to be much diminished these days – but equally, there were many from a trade union background who brought a wealth of experience and great diversity to the bench. Sadly, the privatised railways, Post Office and other industries make it almost impossible for their staff on modest, or even not-so-modest, incomes to volunteer for this most worthwhile of public service.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/aug/07/magistracy-missing-out-on-public-sector-workers">Continue reading...</a>LawPrivatisationInequalityCrimeUK newsSentencingTrade unionsMon, 07 Aug 2017 17:54:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/aug/07/magistracy-missing-out-on-public-sector-workersPhotograph: Kerim Okten/EPAPhotograph: Kerim Okten/EPALetters2017-08-07T17:54:03ZRecord number of criminals have sentences increasedhttps://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/jul/30/record-number-of-criminals-have-sentences-increased
<p>Sex offenders among 141 people given tougher punishment last year under Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme, which lets public appeal to attorney general</p><p>A record number of criminals have had their sentences increased after victims and their families complained that they had been treated too leniently.</p><p>Arsonists, sex offenders and two men found guilty of child neglect were among those to be sent to prison after initially being handed a community sentence, with a total of 141 criminals given a tougher punishment last year. In 2015, the courts agreed to increase the original sentence for 102 offenders.<br></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/jul/30/record-number-of-criminals-have-sentences-increased">Continue reading...</a>SentencingCrimeLawUK newsJeremy WrightPoliticsSat, 29 Jul 2017 23:01:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/jul/30/record-number-of-criminals-have-sentences-increasedPhotograph: Stefan Rousseau/PAPhotograph: Stefan Rousseau/PAMichael Savage Policy editor2017-07-29T23:01:03ZThe Guardian view on England’s prisons: a national humiliation | Editorialhttps://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jul/18/the-guardian-view-on-englands-prisons-a-national-humiliation
Not one of England’s young offenders institutions is safe. Prison officers are routinely assaulted. Inmates are self-harming and committing suicide<p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/nelsonmandela" title="">Nelson Mandela</a> once observed: “No one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails.” Most of us will never find out what life is like in prison, but the official version is that conditions behind bars in England and Wales are grim and getting worse. There have been, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/jul/18/youth-jails-staggering-decline-standards-england-wales-peter-clarke-prisons-inspector-report" title="">says the prison inspectorate</a>, startling increases in violence. Buildings are filthy, crumbling and often infested with rats and cockroaches. The number of prisoners killing themselves has more than doubled since 2013, with 113 taking their own lives in the year to March. Despite a fall in female prisoner numbers, women behind bars self-harm at five times the rate of their male counterparts – a worrying indication of how vulnerable these inmates are. The most shocking finding of all was that not a single establishment inspected in England and Wales was safe to hold children and young people. If the words of Mr Mandela, perhaps modern history’s most famous prisoner, were taken literally, Britain would truly be beyond the pale.</p><p>The government has been the author of this crisis. Political choices were made about public spending that meant cutting the budget for prisons in real terms by more than a fifth over the past six years. There are a quarter fewer prison officers than in 2010, but they are responsible for a similar number of prisoners. Violence has risen sharply – with assaults on staff up by an astonishing 70% since 2009. More drugs and fewer staff is a dangerous mix, one that the inspectorate picks up on. Resources have been stretched so much that in November 2016, staff shortages coupled with riots and breakouts led to mass walkouts by prison officers. Belatedly, the chancellor finally woke up to the crisis and found £104m for a recruitment drive for <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2016/nov/23/key-points-autumn-statement-at-a-glance" title="">an additional 2,500 prison officers</a> – in effect reversing almost half of the staff cuts made since 2010. If there is a better example of the self-defeating nature of austerity, then answers on a postcard to HM Treasury.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jul/18/the-guardian-view-on-englands-prisons-a-national-humiliation">Continue reading...</a>Prisons and probationSentencingLawUK criminal justiceSocietyKenneth ClarkePoliticsUK newsTue, 18 Jul 2017 19:14:18 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jul/18/the-guardian-view-on-englands-prisons-a-national-humiliationPhotograph: Anthony Devlin/PAPhotograph: Anthony Devlin/PAEditorial2017-07-18T19:14:18ZAcid attacks need zero-tolerance approach, says Sadiq Khanhttps://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jul/17/acid-attacks-zero-tolerance-approach-sadiq-khan-london
<p>London mayor urges government to toughen sentencing guidelines for judges after spate of attacks in the capital</p><p>Judges should sentence those convicted of carrying acid just as harshly as those guilty of carrying other offensive weapons, the mayor of London has said, as he urged the government to adopt a “zero tolerance” approach following a recent spate of attacks in the capital.</p><p>Sadiq Khan said the attacks across London were “particularly frightening for those who ride a scooter”. Delivery drivers, who have been victims of acid attacks, have previously written to Khan to ask for a meeting to discuss the threats they face at work.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jul/17/acid-attacks-zero-tolerance-approach-sadiq-khan-london">Continue reading...</a>CrimeSentencingLondonSadiq KhanPoliceLawPoliticsUK newsMon, 17 Jul 2017 11:19:36 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/jul/17/acid-attacks-zero-tolerance-approach-sadiq-khan-londonPhotograph: S Bardens - British Athletics/(Credit too long, see caption)Photograph: S Bardens - British Athletics/(Credit too long, see caption)Jessica Elgot Political reporter2017-07-17T11:19:36ZLaw to be changed so terror offenders' jail terms can be lengthenedhttps://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/jul/15/law-to-be-changed-so-terror-offenders-jail-terms-can-be-lengthened
<p>MPs to be asked to extend Unduly Lenient Sentence procedure to terror-related crimes, giving victims and the public a say </p><p>The legal scheme under which anyone can ask for convicted criminals to be given tougher sentences is to be extended to cover more terrorist offences.</p><p>An order will be laid before MPs next week allowing those found guilty of encouraging terrorism, sharing terrorist propaganda and related offences to be brought back to court to have their punishment reassessed.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/jul/15/law-to-be-changed-so-terror-offenders-jail-terms-can-be-lengthened">Continue reading...</a>Court of appealJudiciarySentencingPoliceCressida DickCrimeUK newsLBCLawFri, 14 Jul 2017 23:01:36 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/jul/15/law-to-be-changed-so-terror-offenders-jail-terms-can-be-lengthenedPhotograph: Oli Scarff/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Oli Scarff/Getty ImagesOwen Bowcott Legal affairs correspondent2017-07-14T23:01:36ZAbusive parents who try to shift blame may face tougher sentenceshttps://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/jun/13/tougher-sentences-proposed-for-abusers-who-try-to-shift-blame-england-wales
<p>Draft guidelines for England and Wales say seeking to blame others should be considered an aggravating factor</p><p>Tougher punishments for abusive or neglectful parents who try to shift the blame for their crimes have been recommended in proposed guidelines issued by the Sentencing Council.</p><p>The <a href="http://file///Volumes/Downloads/Internet%20Downloads/Child%20cruelty%20consultation_FINAL_WEB.pdf">draft guidelines</a> for courts to follow when handling child cruelty cases specify for the first time that seeking to blame others for an offence should be considered an aggravating factor, in an attempt to ensure parents or guardians are held to account if they try to avoid responsibility.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/jun/13/tougher-sentences-proposed-for-abusers-who-try-to-shift-blame-england-wales">Continue reading...</a>SentencingUK criminal justiceLawUK newsTue, 13 Jun 2017 05:00:47 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/jun/13/tougher-sentences-proposed-for-abusers-who-try-to-shift-blame-england-walesPhotograph: Joe Castro/AAPPhotograph: Joe Castro/AAPNadia Khomami and agency2017-06-13T05:00:47ZMan who started fire in plane toilet has sentence more than doubledhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/25/man-started-fire-plane-toilet-sentence-doubled-john-cox
<p>Court of appeal rules John Cox’s original sentence was unduly lenient after he began blaze in bin on flight carrying 200 people</p><p><span tabindex="-1">A man who started a fire in the toilet of a plane carrying more than 200 people has had his prison sentence more than doubled at the </span>court of <span tabindex="-1">appeal.</span></p><p>The Monarch Airbus was 10,700 metres (33,000ft) in the air and 100 miles (160km) from the Egyptian coast when the captain was told the crew were having difficulty extinguishing the blaze in a waste paper bin.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/25/man-started-fire-plane-toilet-sentence-doubled-john-cox">Continue reading...</a>Air transportCrimeCourt of appealSentencingLawUK newsWorld newsUK criminal justiceThu, 25 May 2017 11:59:16 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/25/man-started-fire-plane-toilet-sentence-doubled-john-coxPhotograph: pf / Alamy/AlamyPhotograph: pf / Alamy/AlamyPress Association2017-05-25T11:59:16ZAbuse victims 'failed by police and courts over online harassment'https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/08/abuse-victims-failed-by-police-and-courts-over-online-harassment
<p>Survey finds that restraining orders are often breached and half of respondents face vexatious court claims</p><p>Police and court action, including the imposition of restraining orders, is failing to prevent domestic abusers and stalkers from carrying on their campaigns of harassment and abuse against their victims online, a unique survey of victims has revealed.<br></p><p>The survey of 122 victims of stalking, harassment, domestic abuse and coercive behaviour reveals that more than half have faced vexatious court proceedings taken out against them by those who have been convicted of abusing them even though they were subject to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/apr/22/stalkers-unlikely-to-be-jailed">restraining orders</a>.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/apr/22/stalkers-unlikely-to-be-jailed">Stalkers unlikely to be jailed even for repeat offences, official figures show</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/08/abuse-victims-failed-by-police-and-courts-over-online-harassment">Continue reading...</a>Sexual harassmentDomestic violenceSocietyCrimeUK newsSentencingMon, 08 May 2017 06:00:55 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/08/abuse-victims-failed-by-police-and-courts-over-online-harassmentPhotograph: Dominic Lipinski/PAPhotograph: Dominic Lipinski/PAAlan Travis Home affairs editor2017-05-08T06:00:55ZStalkers unlikely to be jailed even for repeat offences, official figures showhttps://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/apr/22/stalkers-unlikely-to-be-jailed
Almost two-thirds avoid prison term for breach of restraining order, Ministry of Justice admits<p>Offenders convicted of stalking or harassment who repeatedly breach their restraining orders often escape with fines and non-custodial sentences, according to new figures.</p><p>Politicians and victim support groups warn that lives are being put at risk by failure to take action against repeat offenders who habitually breach the orders, which can be imposed for a range of offences also including domestic violence and coercive control.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/apr/22/stalkers-unlikely-to-be-jailed">Continue reading...</a>SentencingLawCrimeUK newsSexual harassmentWorld newsSat, 22 Apr 2017 23:05:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/law/2017/apr/22/stalkers-unlikely-to-be-jailedPhotograph: Mielek/plainpicture/MielekPhotograph: Mielek/plainpicture/MielekJamie Doward2017-04-22T23:05:00Z